a world of café stories

Hands and Heart, Bangkok

By KENNY MAH and CK LIM

What’s black and white and an oasis of cool in humid and hot Bangkok?

The answer is Hands and Heart, a tiny café hidden in the corner of a condominium (that, in a typical display of contrasts, is located on the same row as the popular Sukhumvit 38 night food stalls). Here, they are all about hand-brewed coffees using Aeropress, pour-over or Chemex.

The décor is a calming blend of – you guessed it – blacks and whites. From the black marble bar and white bean bags to black coffees served in white cups and white coffees in black ones, Hands and Heart reminds one of a serene Go board in mid-game.

Expect seasonal AA-grade single origin beans. During our visit, Brazilian beans from Nordic-influenced, Tokyo-based Fuglen and Thai beans from local Brave Roasters are on offer.

Our friendly baristas – also in contrasting white and black – brew with care and smiles on their faces. Little wonder our coffees arrive perfectly crafted; there’s a bit of love in every sip.

Homemade pastries are a riot of colour from squares of red velvet and carrot cake to pitch-black charcoal croissants that certainly fit the minimal, black-and-white décor. Quench your thirst if you haven’t acclimated to Bangkok’s humidity with iced coffees or heat-relieving herbal juices.